New comedy ‘as good as Benidorm’ says star Tim Healy

After 40 years in the business, The Spa is right up there with the best things I’ve done – Benidorm, Auf ­Wiedersehen, Pet

Tim Healy

The sitcom, written by Derren Litten – who also made the hilarious holiday show – had been earmarked for the terrestrial channel.

But it was snapped up by Sky Living when its rival failed to find time in the schedule.

Auf Wiedersehen, Pet star Tim, 61, said: “It’s been in the pipeline for a while.

“I’ve been with it from the start a few years ago.

“You never know how new comedies will go down but we have a great cast – they are a good bunch.

“After 40 years in the business, The Spa is right up there with the best things I’ve done – Benidorm, Auf ­Wiedersehen, Pet.”

He said few things on TV had as good a script and cast.

“The characters are larger than life but real, just like in Benidorm,” he said.

“Derren is brilliant at writing comedies.”

The Daily Star Sunday was invited for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the show, which also stars ­ex-EastEnder Cheryl Fergison, 48, The Thick Of It actress Rebecca Front, 48, writer Derren, 42, and Debbie Chazen, 41, of Tittybangbang fame.

Made by Tiger Aspect Productions – the team behind Benidorm – The Spa focuses on the employees and guests of a Hertfordshire health club.

As well as a familiar cast, it features cameos by celebrities including ­Chesney Hawkes, 41, and former child star Bonnie Langford, 48.

Derren told us: “It’s been incredible watching The Spa come to life. I knew we had a great team as we have the same director, designer, make-up team and executive producer as Benidorm.”

Rebecca, who plays manageress Alison Crabbe, said: “I heard the words Derren and Litten and wanted to take part straight away.

“Derren has such a reputation and such a good calling card.”

Chris Geere, 31, who plays the Polish chef Bolek, predicted a ­second series would soon follow.

He said: “It would be a massive shame if there wasn’t a second series. There’s so much that could happen in the Spa.

“We’ve had quite a lot of celebrity guests who are brilliant and that could continue.”

Referring to Benidorm, he said: “Not many shows last as many years as that has – not to mention all the awards and the viewer support it has.

“Let’s hope the viewer support moves over to us too.”

He added: “There has been some brilliant comedy over the last ten years and hopefully this can add to it.